Timeline: April 1863 - Online Archive of Terry's Texas Rangers

Timeline: April 1863

Wednesday, April 1


Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Yanks brought up three or four thousand to E. and shelled our Boys for some time."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Orders to be ready for a 30 day scout by Saturday. a part of the regiment had a skirmish. Kimball & [Truman or Freeman] had a fist fight."
Official Report - Inspection Report for Wharton's Brigade: Report from an ordnance inspection by Edward W. Rawls. From a private collection.
News - Austin State Gazette: "Hospital Fund for the Texas Terry Rangers"

Thursday, April 2

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Went out beyond Maj. Winn's, brought his family and negroes out, skirmished with the Yankees for some time, nothing serious."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Regiment on a scout – to move the family of a Major."
Letter - R. F. Bunting, April 2, 1863: To Editor of the Tri-Weekly Telegraph.

Friday, April 3

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I went out piruting this evening, came back to Camp and went in to Dr. Moore's, sit till bed time. Miss Nannie made some music for me; the evening passed pleasantly."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "No move. Heard with regret ~~discovered~~ that J. D. Palmer was deceased."
Letter - W. Nicholson, Co.: To his Aunt from Unionville, TN.

Saturday, April 4

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "The Grand race between Wharton and Harrison came off this morning. All the Regiment that wished to went out. I remained in Camp. I and Reuben S. went over and got dinner at Mrs. Blanton's. Came back and the Regiment was getting ready to leave. I and Lonnie Logan came on to town and stopped at Dr. Moore’s. Miss Nannie made some music for us. We bade them goodbye and overtook the Regiment. After we got to Camp, I took John Rector’s horse and went up to Mr. Stewart’s; found Dan at home. I took supper and staid all night; got some provisions fixed up and left before day. Came down to Camp and started soon after up country."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " The most of the regiment went out to witness a horse race. a great part of them have cause to regret the part they played in the game, as the favorite filly with the regiment was badly beaten by the Horse – Genl Wharton entered Botts Sorrel Horse & Col Harrison his sorrel filly – after the race the regiment is moved to the wagons preparatory to taking a long scout."
ORs - (CS) John A. Wharton: Report to General Wheeler on the movements of Wharton's Brigade.

Sunday, April 5

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I came by Dan’s and got my clothing, overtook the command at town. Came up to Fairfield, crossed Bell Buckle Creek, went three or four miles and camped."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " The command left this morning, carrying with them a days ration of corn on horses and another days rations in wagons. My horse having the scours yesterday is unfit for traveling and I have permission to remain behind until he is recovered."

Monday, April 6

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came up near Jacksboro and camped."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "With the wagons all of today & a most tiresome day it is. The wagons are to move to another camp in the morning. I will boss for the command."
Letter - W. Nicholson, April 6, 1863: To Mrs. Henry Crocheron
News - Shelbyville Banner: "The Officer's Race"

Tuesday, April 7

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Marched on way to Liberty far enough to consume the day when we turned back in getting to Camp; had to go down and up a pretty steep mountain. The Yankees had possession of Liberty; drove Morgan’s men out. We came back to Ballou’s (Blues) and camped. Nothing for our horses to eat or ourselves."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " After breakfast the wagons being on the move Wiley & myself started to overtake the command, at Shelbyville get pickled oysters to eat, pass through Wartrace & then Fairfield, find the country completely eaten out, so much so that we have to ride 8 or 10 miles farther than we wished before we could find a house where they would sell 30 ears of corn & get something for us to eat. My horse is completely given out."

Wednesday, April 8

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "We came down to the forks of the pike two miles from Liberty. I and Reuben Stroud stopped and got supper and our horses fed. Found four companies on picket, ours among the number."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Have been traveling slowly all day & made but few miles – pass Pocahontas a town of no size – & put up a few miles beyond."
News - Galveston Weekly News: "Wharton's Cavalry Brigade in the Late Attack on Fort Donelson."

Thursday, April 9

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I, Tom Taylor and Stroud came on to Alexandria and shod our horses. The Regiment passed on and left us. We came on and got our dinner at Mr. Neal’s living near Mrs. Grandstaff’s and came on to Camp at Spring Creek."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Made rather better time today. leave Jacksboro some few miles to our right, McMinville some 10 or 15 miles on our right, pass Short Mt having traveled the Short Mt road pretty much all of today. Stop at the foot of it, with very tired, jaded horses. Met a great many returning to the wagons. The Country has commenced to improve but still it shows signs of the heavy foraging it has been subjected to."

Friday, April 10

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I was very sick last night and hardly able to ride this morning. Command left before day, got to Lebanon at daylight. Dr. Hill could not get the medicine for me but gave me a pass to return to the wagons. Near McMinnville I came out to Mr. Bass’s and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Travel pretty well all day. Leave Liberty to our right, pass through Alexandria and stop for the night at Mr Dred Bass in meet stragglers going and coming all day."

Saturday, April 11

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I felt better this morning but very weak. Francis came over this morning or evening. George Tracy was over in the morning, I believe."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Do not make a very early start, and fully satisfy ourselves the Yanks are not on the Pike before venturing upon it. When some 8 miles of Lebanon learn the command has returned to that place, having accomplished what I suppose they undertook, in firing into & destroying RR train – join the Company and go on picket. Left my old horse “Snooks” at Mr Dred Bass this morning – learn through Enoch John the horse I left with Mr Carter last year had been appropriated by his son."
ORs - (US) Eleazer A. Paine: US Army report of raids on Louisville and Nashville Railroads.

Sunday, April 12

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Rained last night. Very pleasant this morning. I remained quiet to-day. Three or four soldiers came by; found our Brigade had come back about Spring Creek."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "The detachment Col Ferrell had with him destroying RR trains having returned yesterday evening & bringing some 12 officers who had refused the parole. We moved down the pike and camp at Alexandria, it is 18 miles from here to Lebanon."
ORs - (CS) John A Wharton: Wharton's Brigade Report of operations, including raids on Louisville and Murphreesboro Railroads.
ORs - (CS) Joe Wheeler: Cavlry Report of operations, including raids on Louisville and Nashville Railroads.
ORs - (US) George P. Este: 14th Ohio Infantry report of affair at Antioch Station, TN.

Monday, April 13

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "My mule taken scratches or something else badly, cannot ride her. Pretty day to-day. Aunt Nancy came over this evening."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Nothing stiring in Camp. the enemy are quiet. "
Letter - R. F. Bunting: To the Editor of Houston Tri-Weekly News, published July 24, 1863.
ORs - (CS) Braxton Bragg: C. S. Army report of raids on Louisville and Nashville Railroads.
ORs - (US) Christopher J. Dickerson: 10th Michigan Infantry report of of affair at Antioch Station, TN.

Tuesday, April 14

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Rained last night again and cleared off this morning. I remained quiet to-day. Rained again to-night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " No move. Enemy at [Carthage]."

Wednesday, April 15

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "'Twas misty and damp this morning. I fixed up and went up to Mrs. Tarpley’s, bidding the folks goodbye at Mr. Bass’s. I found the way pretty easy. Killed a squirrel and took dinner with them. Staid an hour or two and started; came on through Commerce and out two miles to Mr. Davis and staid all night. The mist finally turned to rain."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Enemy came out to New Middleton 7 miles but left instanter when they were fired at a few rounds with Cannon. no one hurt on our side."
Letter - William Nicholson: To Mrs. Henry Crocheron
ORs - : (US) George Crook: Brigade report on a Federal expedition.
ORs - (US) Gordon Granger: Report on Confederate cavalry movements.

Thursday, April 16

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Cleared off this morning. I remain with Mr. Davis to-day; very pleasant day."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " H & I on picket 2 miles from Alexandria on Lancaster dirt road, nothing stiring. My mare horse has entirely given out, she is stifled .."
CSR - J. M. Brownson, Co. E: Reciept

Friday, April 17

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Lieut. Davis and Emmet Trammel came by to-day and took dinner. Learned all about the Regiment from them. Camped at A. To-day was a beautiful day. I did not feel so well as I have for a few days before. Fine time for farmers to work."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Nothing new in camp."
News - Galveston Weekly News: "Judge David S. Terry"

Saturday, April 18

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Hermosa mañana. Nothing unusual occurred this morning. I passed most of my time reading; still gaining in strength."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "No change in anything today."

Sunday, April 19

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Rained last night; beautiful spring morning this. Rained again all morning till 12 o’clock and cleared off."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Co H & I relieved of picket duty. Preaching by Mr Bunttine, rec’d letter from Tompkins dated 4 Mch."
Letter - C. W. Love: To his parents from Shelbyville, TN.

Monday, April 20

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I leave Mr. Davis this morning for Camp. Go out by Rainey's. I got my cartridge mended and came up to Mrs. Grandstaff’s and got my dinner. Came on to A.; met the Regiment just at Camp, on their way to Lebanon. Our Squadron on picket. Sent after them. As soon as they came Regiment started. Got to Lebanon about 11 o’clock. 'Twas two before the last of the column passed. A train of wagons was along after the Com's. We stopped on street and the train passed on. We picketed all the roads and remained. I slept on street, my head resting on curbstone for a pillow, but one blanket and got very cold before day. At daylight I went down and washed my mule off and warmed in blacksmith shop. Started back and Ferrill being drunk had me arrested. Kyle had me lay off my arms, but soon after Regiment all went to water and I was released. I eat breakfast and went over to Mr. Davis. Cousin Mec and Miss Fannie were at home. Mr. Davis down in town."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " In camp all of ~~today~~ the forenoon, & then the ~~Tuesday 21st Apl~~ Regiment is some kind of duty towards Lebanon, my horse is unable for travel. Wrote Tompkins."
ORs - (US) George P. Este: Report on Confederate cavalry movements.

Tuesday, April 21

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I remained in town some two hours. Went over to Camp, moved my mule to where ‘twould be safe in case of a move and went down to Mrs. Jordon Stokes. I had a good long conversation with her. Got a paper from her and just as I was leaving Kyle came in. I loaned him the paper and went over to Cousin Mec's to take dinner. Hank Sullivan came in after dinner. Fox Trammel and Jim Davis came for dinner. The Miss Thompsons, sisters, came in. I went into the parlor with Hank and was introduced to them. We then had some music. An hour or two passed rapidly. We took leave. I promised to call again in the evening. I went over to Mrs. Stokes and after making addition left a letter which she kindly promised to send to Nashville and mail for my Father. I got some more papers. She and Mrs. Muirhead, her mother, tried to make a proselyte of me to Lincolnism or Unionism, as they would term it. Commenced ramming. We left soon after I got back; came out near Cherry Valley and camped. I was on picket; the Reserve in a barn; the Videttes in a blacksmith shop; a good time of it."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Tuesday & Wednesday 21 & 22—The regiment came in today, report everything quiet about Lebanon. They brought several wagons loaded with wheat & Bacon. Nothing new in Camp."

Wednesday, April 22

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Rain ceased; bright and clear this morning. We came on to Alexandria. I spent the evening working with my mule’s feet. After supper I went over to Lodge to assist in conferring some side degrees. I took 1001; staid till 11 o’clock. Came back and went to bed. In a few minutes ordered to saddle up. Yanks coming down on us like thousand of brick from Liberty, Snow Hill and all around. We marched all night. I and Jack and Bill Kyle got together. Couldn’t keep up with Regiment. Stopped at daylight, got breakfast, fed horses and traveled on. Crossed river—nearly swimming. Came out three miles and camped."

Thursday, April 23

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Thursday, 23rd-Friday, 24th—Remain in camp this morning, all day nothing of interest."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " About midnight last night the whole of the command was aroused and we are shortly after moving off. pass through Lancaster 12 miles distant and cross Smiths fork a tributary of Chaney Fork River and afterwards that River (it is [15 or 18] miles from there to Alexandria) the fording was deep but we make it without accident and camp 4 miles on the north side. The cause of this sudden move was the reported advance of the enemy via McMinville & Liberty – from here to Cookeville about 14 miles."
Letter - B. F. Burke: To James and Martha Ogden Burke
ORs - (CS) W. W. Mackall: Orders for General Wheeler to concentrate his forces.
ORs - (US) George P. Este: Report on Confederate cavalry movements.

Friday, April 24

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " No further move today nor nothing enlivening to notice. Claiborne & Capt [Pearre] had a fisticuff but neither was worsted. it is reported the enemy have never been farther towards Alexandria than Liberty."

Saturday, April 25

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Start at 3 o’clock for the wagons at Yankeetown. All horses unfit for duty sent there under Lieut. Gibson of 11th Texas. Regiment went to Rock Island. We came in fifteen miles of Sparta and camped. Men and lame horses straggled all along the road for miles. I and McFarlan bunked together."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Go only about [10] miles before we camp. Our company was detailed to escort Wagons to mill after meal & did not overtake the command until near midnight. Got a new horse."
ORs - (CS) John A. Wharton: Note to Wheeler that Wharton's command is in motion.

Sunday, April 26

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came on by Mr. England’s; stopped on Mountain at Mrs. Lowe’s and got some bread baked and duck cooked; took dinner and came on to Camp. Found the wagons camped near Yankeetown."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Travel leisurely and make some 24 miles. camp in road leading to Rock Island ford “Caney Fork”. understand the Regiment is detached from the Brigade but do not know for what purpose."
CSR - HJ. A. Brace, Co. E: Reciept
ORs - (CS) W. W. Mackall: Orders for Wheeler.
ORs - (US) Robert H. G. Minty: Cavalry Division detachment report on Cavalry Operation

Monday, April 27

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Remained in Camp all morning; then started as John Rector had come in to see Cousin Jim Hawkins; found he had moved camp. I went up to Mr. Johnston’s and took dinner; saw Mr. Denton of Mike Salter’s Company there. Sent note up to Jimmy by one going up."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Move only a few miles. Regiment gone out for forage. Had a shoe put on horse."
ORs - (CS) George M Dechard: Col. Harrison's report to General Wharton regarding a scouting expedition.
ORs - (US) Jeremiah T. Boyle: Dispatch regarding skirmish at Negro Head Cut, near Woodburn, KY.
ORs - (US) Patrick H. Dowling: 111th Ohio Infantry report on skirmish at Negro Head Cut, near Woodburn, KY.

Tuesday, April 28

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "James Hawkins came up to-day to see me; staid all day with me. After he left, I and Frank McGuire went out to Mr. Bradley’s and got supper. I got some bread. We then went and got twenty bundles fodder apiece and came back to Camp."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Was lucky enough to find a pair of shoes that I was sadly in need of. no move."
ORs - (US) Benjamin J. Sweet: 21st Wisconsin Infantry report on skirmish at Negro Head Cut, near Woodburn, KY.
ORs - (US) J. B. Anderson: Railroad superintendant report on skirmish at Negro Head Cut, near Woodburn, KY.

Wednesday, April 29

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Remained in Camp to-day; horses inspected. John R. left me to go to the command. Albright bunked with me to-night. I went up with him to Mr. Williams and got supper."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Took a bath & put on clean clothes, got my dinner and returned to camp just in time to march with the regiment. Go to Sparta & camp. Our company on picket."
ORs - (US) John M.Schofield: 3rd Division report on reconnaissance of the Chapel Hill Pike, TN.

Thursday, April 30

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came up, I and Albright, to Brown's Mill. Regimental wagons ordered to Sparta. Regiment on detached duty; spent night with Cousin James Hawkins."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Company relieved today from picket duty. Torrence & me take a pirute."
Muster Roll - Co. B: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "B" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 96 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. C: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "C" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 52 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. D: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "D" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 83 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. E: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "E" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 62 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. F: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "F" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 64 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. G: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "G" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 98 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. H: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "H" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 66 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. I: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "I" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 51 names (National Archives)
Muster Roll - Co. K: Muster Roll (4/30//63) for Co. "K" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 84 names (National Archives)
ORs - (CS) W. W. Mackall: Orders for General Wheeler.
ORs - (US) Eleazer A. Paine: Endorsement regarding report on skirmish at Negro Head Cut, near Woodburn, KY.

Unidentified April Events

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